9-Day Poland Road Trip from Krakow to Krynica-Zdrój, Zakopane, and Oświęcim and surrounding area

Your road trip adventure in Poland begins as soon as you reach Krakow and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Krakow for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Krakow is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Krakow. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Poland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Krakow. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Reserve your spot at Szalone Widelce, a popular local restaurant in Krakow. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 6,814 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience Starka | Restaurant & Vodkas during your stay in Krakow. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,520 discerning guests.

Explore the culinary wonders of Czarna Kaczka/ Black Duck, a popular local gem in Krakow. Its enticing menu promises a journey through flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Renowned for its impeccable service, it boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 3,682 satisfied guests.

After dinner, visit Piwnica Pod Baranami and experience the nightlife in the city of Krakow. This bar is one of the best places to cap off the night and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,916 customers.

You can also hang out at Nowy Kraftowy. This bar serves a variety of snacks and drinks and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,066 customers.

Locals recommend Eszeweria, so definitely check it out too. Eszeweria is a place to enjoy friendly chats with locals and fellow travelers and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,522 bar-goers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Poland!

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Krakow. You’ll stay in Krakow for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Krakow, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Krakow below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Krakow. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Szynk, an acclaimed dining establishment in Krakow. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 686 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa while experiencing the best of Krakow. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 17,600 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Kolanko No 6 Restaurant, an elegant culinary destination in Krakow. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 7,171 previous guests.

Make your way to TRZCINA Bar. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 707 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at Alchemia? This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars among 7,305 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is House of Beer. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,362 customers.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Poland.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Poland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 5 vibrant destinations - Wieliczka, Niedzica, Tylka, Krościenko nad Dunajcem, and Krynica-Zdrój. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Krynica-Zdrój. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Wieliczka, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Krakow to Wieliczka may take around 25 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

After soaking in Wieliczka’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Niedzica. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 42 min. When you arrive in Niedzica, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Zamek Dunajec w Niedzicy. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 22,002 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Krynica-Zdrój, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Krynica-Zdrój's best restaurants.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Poland!

On day 4 of your road trip in Poland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Zakopane and Zakopane. In the evening, you’ll end up in Zakopane, where you will stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Zakopane and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 7 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Zakopane beckons with new experiences!

At the end of the day, you will drive to Zakopane, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Zakopane.

Plan ahead and secure a table at STRH Bistro Art Cafe, an acclaimed dining establishment in Zakopane. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 3,922 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of La Playa Beach Bar & ChillOut Lounge while experiencing the best of Zakopane. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,365 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of "Na Końcu Świata" Bar, an elegant culinary destination in Zakopane. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 712 previous guests.

Restauracja Stek Chałupa | Krupówki Zakopane is one of the best bars in Zakopane and the perfect place to go for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,897 customers.

You may also want to check out Restauracja Góralski Browar | Zakopane - Krupówki. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. Restauracja Góralski Browar | Zakopane - Krupówki is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,453 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Sport Corner Restauracja | Pub. Sport Corner Restauracja | Pub has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,200 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Poland.

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Poland. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Żywiec, Jeleśnia, and Oświęcim, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Oświęcim. You’ll stay here for 3 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Żywiec, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Oświęcim may take around 57 min. Upon your arrival in Oświęcim, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Oświęcim. Oświęcim offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Oświęcim. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at Rapsodia Cafe, an iconic dining spot in Oświęcim. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 1,741 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Chata na Zaborskiej Restauracja while in Oświęcim. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, treasured by 2,790 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Portobello Ristorante, a favorite in Oświęcim. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,542 discerning guests.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Kula Hula is our number one recommendation. Around 635 customers have rated this bar 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Head back to your accommodation in Oświęcim and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Poland!

On day 6 of your road trip in Poland, you’ll start and end your day in Częstochowa, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Oświęcim for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Częstochowa, Pszczyna, Żory, and Oświęcim to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Set your GPS to Pszczyna and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 38 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Pszczyna beckons with new experiences!

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Pszczyna, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Żory may take around 26 min. Upon your arrival in Żory, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set your GPS to Częstochowa and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 18 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Częstochowa beckons with new experiences!

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Oświęcim and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Oświęcim.

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at La Rossa Restauracja & Sale Weselne. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Oświęcim boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from around 1,565 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Oświęcim is Ristorante Pizzeria Taormina. It has garnered a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,036 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at ITAMAE SUSHI, in Oświęcim. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 695 satisfied customers.

When you’ve finished dinner and you’re in the mood for a drink, we recommend visiting one of the best bars in Oświęcim. PUB VINYL offers plenty of drink options for every taste and budget. Around 283 customers have given this bar an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Poland!

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Oświęcim, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Wisła, Chorzów, and Oświęcim. You still have 1 night left in Oświęcim.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Wisła. This car ride takes around 1 hour 13 min.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Wisła, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Chorzów. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 27 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Oświęcim. This car ride takes around 51 min.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Oświęcim.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Oświęcim's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Villa Astra Apartments & Restaurant while you’re in Oświęcim. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 585 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Oświęcim is Kawka Coffee House. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 386 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

While in Oświęcim, enjoy Ogród Smaków’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 238 satisfied guests.

If you’re up for getting a drink after dinner, Pub Arkada is a great place to go. Around 310 customers have rated this popular bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If this is where the night will take you, you’re in for a fun time in Oświęcim.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Poland.

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Poland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Zabrze, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Sosnowiec, and Krakow. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Krakow, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Oświęcim, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sosnowiec. This drive usually takes around 42 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Dąbrowa Górnicza’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Sosnowiec behind. This drive usually takes around 17 min. Dąbrowa Górnicza welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Krakow, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Krakow's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Reserve your spot at Beer House, a popular local restaurant in Krakow. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 4,931 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience C. K. Browar | Bar & Restaurant | Est. 1996 during your stay in Krakow. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,761 discerning guests.

Explore the culinary wonders of Wesoła Cafe, a popular local gem in Krakow. Its enticing menu promises a journey through flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Renowned for its impeccable service, it boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 3,905 satisfied guests.

When you’ve finished your meal, Pijalnia Czekolady E. Wedel is one of the best bars in Krakow for an after-dinner drink. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,501 customers.

Singer is another of the most popular bars in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,237 customers.

Alternatively, check out Multi Qlti Tap Bar | Craft Beer. This popular place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, as rated by 3,020 customers.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Poland!

Day 9 of your road trip in Poland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Krakow before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As you approach the end of your journey in Poland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Krakow’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Poland, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Before you conclude your road trip in Poland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Krakow.

You’ll then say farewell to Krakow. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Poland!